In order to preview the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, let's discuss all 30 teams by grouping them into 10 tiers based on their prospects to contend this season. This is the sixth episode in the 6-part Contender Tiers series, discussing the following tiers:

Tier 2: Playing for Second Place

4) Cleveland Cavaliers (1:51)

3) New York Knicks (14:17)

Tier 1: Deserving Favorites

2) Denver Nuggets (27:52)

1) Oklahoma City Thunder (39:22)